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Comments By Llandros

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Coming to the end of another week on this training journey and it's just never ending apparently!

Today marks my 11th week of being gone. During this time I have not seen home, family, friends, pets, or anything resembling normalcy. I have to admit that it is a bit much. My life consists of a tiny upper bunk with barely any room to move - and it does affect you mentally - believe me, it's taking its toll.

I know many truckers do long stretches like this all the time but there's one difference here - only got paid for three of those weeks. I'm enjoying the job, love the company, despise the training, and just really ready for a break to at least go home for a day or so.

Still plugging away but mood and enthusiasm are taking a hit - hopefully it passes and this program can move forward - still about 19,000 miles to go - I feel like I will never get off this trainers truck but I know I will. Sorry to dump my frustrations tonight but it's a valid part of this process - anyone have any tips on how to make this a bit more manageable?!

The first week of my 30,000 mile requirement is over. This week we got in just a little over 5,000 miles. It's still stressful and difficult since I have the same trainer but I do see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I really like the company and have enjoyed most aspects so far - the downfall has been the luck of the draw in trainers that I got. Still, at this point it is best to just grin and bear it so that I can start making all the calls.

I am getting to back the truck now. It sucks getting my head bit off or yelled at but at least I get the experience. This week it took 7 days to get a shower - nasty but I managed. When training is over I'll be sharing some of my experiences with the necessary people but at this point I just want to finish up with the minimum of delays. I can't take any more days or weeks of no pay and am at least getting what I need for this half of training. I've caught up with other trainees from my company and my experience has been the worst and not typical. At this point it's best to just stay focused, get what I need from this part of training, and then move on to being solo.

One thing is certain - I do not want to team or train when this over - going through this once is more than enough. Hopefully the miles go quickly as these weeks pass - will keep you posted!

Well, still in the program. I am back at the terminal getting ready for the testing this week. Over a period of 5 weeks out I got to practice backing twice. Hit a pretty low point last night and this morning but got some practice in thanks to the generosity of another coach who was there. I got to do some practice and nailed the 90 and the offset several times as we worked through the afternoon. Tomorrow is more of the same as well as Wednesday with the test looming on Thursday. Very nervous but giving it my all to try to catch up to where I should have already been.

I'll keep you all posted but it's been a very difficult road for me and have had alot to overcome during this time. I'm determined to make this happen and am just taking the moves slow and easy to get through them.

Still in this thing but I do have to say that it seems as if everything that could go wrong certainly has. I am in my 4th week on the truck during the first training phase - my CDL test is sometime in January. I also will be shut in a hotel ( it sure at who's expense) while my coach takes a 5 day home leave - won't be getting any practice at all then. As it was explained to me my training would be 1 week classroom (it was 2 - the second just sitting around waiting for anyone to have any time to help me with backing while waiting on a coach - not much practice at all) then 2 to 3 weeks road time (it will actually be at least 7 weeks until I test and even that may change) and then 6-8 weeks to do the 30,000 miles (my coach said it will be a minimum of 3 months for the 30,000 miles portion). I'm never getting my CDL or off this training truck it seems.

I wish I could say that it has been a good experience but it has not - what I have endured since day 1 has pushed me to my breaking point - have almost walked multiple times but continue to stick it out. I do enjoy the job and want my CDL but this experience has been difficult - I won't even go into the conditions on the truck but will say that almost 28 days in the truck I have had 4 showers. Went 48 hours without food and have been allowed to back the truck twice - my second choice company is really looking like the better choice but I am stuck in this. There's more - a lot more but I'm just trying to stay focused.

I don't mean to be negative but for those getting ready to do this understand that all experiences aren't good - trying to make the best of mine but quickly losing patience with this process. I could use the encouragement because I'm getting to a very low point and not sure what I will do if things don't improve dramatically.

Still in training and working towards my CDL - I won't lie, it has not been what I had hoped but I do love the job and focusing on getting through it - in short, training is a nightmare. I did contemplate leaving but am doing my best to get through it.

I have not updated in a while but I am still in the program and just waiting on my trainer to get here to head out. I do have alot to update but will hold off for now. I will say that not everything was as expected or hoped for but I am still positive and moving forward. Still, it has not been without some hurdles.

The first day is over! Our ride came right on time at 7:00. Outside, we met the previous weeks students that are waiting on coaches. They offered some advice and were heading to the lot to do some backing practice.

We arrive to the facility and meet our instructor, Shannon. He's very nice and getting us prepped for the day. We find out that there was supposed to be five of us today but for some reason, there are only three. We see our names posted on the welcome sign at the door and I snap a couple of pictures of it!

First up is a brief introduction and a tour of the facility. We're in luck as both big bosses are in town today - we meet everybody. The lounge, the fitness area, the laundry facilities are all on the tour. We move upstairs and get to see where the fleet managers are working, meet Allie Knight (not more than a hello), meet face-to-face with our recruiters and then head back downstairs to the training room.

Next up is a pretty old but thorough video on air brakes. This will be a major focus for the rest of the day. With just a little time remaining, Shannon brings out an actual air brake chamber and walks us through the mechanics of how it functions. He lays it out very clearly and simply but then it is time to go.

Our first stop is drug testing. I had decided to not pee in the morning so by now (around 10am) I am dying to go. It was a quick test and then on to th DOT physical next door. All is going great until the blood pressure test. I failed it, but I was very nervous. The doctor does it again and it is dropping significantly. He says he will do it one more time in a few to see that all is good. This stresses me out a bit but it all turns out just fine - got my 2 year medical card and we are good to go.

Next, we head out to lunch (Taco Del Sol). It's a pretty casual atmosphere but we know that the written test is coming up. Back to the facility and it is time to go over some items likely to appear on the test. During this time, Chris from training comes in and gives a little speech that goes over the odds of getting through training, team training, and your first year. It's good info and fortunately, I had heard much of the same from reading this site.

Next, Shannon takes us outside and couples a trailer. He walks us through the process and we get to see the whole thing in action. Each of us get to crawl up in the cab and he reviews some of the gauges and the basics of the brake system. We all ride along as he moves the tractor to its parking spot. This is my first time in a truck and my first ride in one. That was incredibly awesome.

The theee of us get to work on some computerized testing and go over what we will test on tomorrow. Later, we work through the manual and quiz on some questions that might come up. The test is scheduled for tomorrow at 8:30 so we are trying to go through as much as possible.

Finally, the day is over and we head back to the hotel. This is where I am at the moment. I will be spending some time reviewing and working through the practice tests but need to get a good nights sleep. The next hurdle is complete not right up and I want to pass it.

Ok, I've made it to Montana! School begins tomorrow and I am ready. Have met two others in my class and they are really awesome - it's gonna be a great week. My iPad is dying so I will keep this short. I do want to give a little info on that 50 hour bus ride - just a preview for now though - I'm glad it's over!

Getting tired and I want to review some more before bed. Gonna be an early morning! I am officially changing my profile status finally!

Today, I learned how to ranger roll all my clothes. I won't say that I perfected it but I did pretty darn good on it for the first time. The bag I had was definitely over the carry on weight limit so I decided to add one additional bag to the journey. I am glad that I did as I really needed that little extra. I still packed light and efficient, but that second bag made a big difference.

The bus leaves early in the morning and is not in the best part of town (are they ever?!). I am packed and now ready to unwind so that I can get to bed early. 4:45am is a pretty unusual wake up time for me normally but I imagine that after driving a while, that will just be part of the norm.

I'm nervous about many things, but I have put in the study time for the permit and the pre trip. I certainly hope that I am prepared enough for this week but will be using the long bus trip to review and just drill it into my head. Looks like I have a class of possibly 4-5 to start with but won't know until Monday or maybe Sunday night. I have all my paperwork packed and easy to get to - now it's just the long trip out there.

I've never been on a bus before but I have heard some horror stories from others. It's all in how you look at it so I say let's get this show on the road. Hard to imagine that this all seemed such a long way off just a few weeks ago. Looking forward to it all and ready to embrace that brisk, cold weather.

I may update you all from the road over the weekend. The real fun is about to begin!

Things are getting just a bit closer and so far, so good. Pets are now comfortable at my family's house and I am doing last minute things before heading out this weekend. It feels like this was a long time but has really moved much quicker that I thought.

Today, I stopped by Greyhound and picked up the bus ticket. Bus leaves at 6:20 am on Friday and I'm trying to get as many things done as possible. Now with the ticket in hand, that is one less thing to worry about. The 50 hour bus ride is going to be an experience - but I'm up for it!

I've practiced with the practice tests so many times that I am about sick of seeing the questions. Consistently, I am getting either perfect scores or maybe missing just a few, always within passing range though. Just want that part to be over and done with so that I can concentrate on the driving and backing. The permit test is going to be next Tuesday!

I was terrified of that pre-trip. It seemed like so much to learn and I was getting overwhelmed. However, over the last few days I broke it down and have been working on my 'imaginary' truck in the driveway. I watched the video created and supplied by my company and have burned the images of the parts into my head. I have said the pretrip from memory now dozens of times each day and it is flowing like water. Properly mounted and secure (at both ends), not cracked, bent, or broken, no abrasions, bulges, or cuts, measured with an air gauge, not leaking....these words are almost all I say every single hour of the day now and I haven't even been near a truck yet! But my plan is to know this like the back of my hand so that my biggest focus can truly be driving, shifting, and backing (as well as all the other things I don't know to expect!)

I'll keep you posted but my next stop is the Greyhound station. One step closer and it is almost here!

Congratulations on taking the step! I'm leaving on Friday on the Greyhound to head to training - nervous and excited. Have not taken the permit tests (they make you wait and do it there) but have used the HRTP on this site as well. I just got the pretrip down (company sent a video) and I can say it now in my sleep.

Most truck stops and company terminals have laundry facilities. You do not need to pack for three months.

No, I only packed clothing for about 7 days but once you do that for shirts, socks, underwear, jeans, couple of sweaters, paperwork, toiletries, etc ...the space gets used up quickly. What I meant is that it is likely that I won't see home for 3-4 months and so this is it - I think I did ok to condense to just this.

This is the size of the bag that I am taking - and believe me when I say that it is packed to the max! They already told me that they would run me up to Wal-Mart during my training to get a sleeping bag/pillow and anything else I need. Is this about the right size to be expected to take for training? It's hard to cram in 3 months worth of what you think you will need in one of these things!

So, I have a few hours to get my apartment settled before I head out tomorrow. School is not until the 21st but I am taking pets to my family and spending a few days studying and getting ready. The problem is that once I leave tomorrow, I am out of luck if I left anything important - I will be 700 miles away.

I've looked at the threads and I am trying to keep my packing light. I have a bag that is about 2 feet long (21 inches) and roughly a foot in width. It's small, but I have crammed it like a boss! My goal is to only take one bag and buy the sleeping bag/pillow once I get there. I have two of these bags but am trying to push it so that I only take the one. My main concern is that I don't want my trainer shaking his head if I show up with too much stuff.

I think the bag is pretty small and shouldn't be much of a problem as an extension of a pillow on my bunk. I have no concern of sleeping with it in the bunk.

So I guess my question is this - would you have taken both of the bags or would you try to do what I am doing and cram it all into one? I'm down to the wire on this and need to do something quickly so any help would be appreciated.

Nov 11th - One journey finally comes to an end. Today I walked out of school and said goodbye to teaching for good. Yes, I left on excellent terms and could go back tomorrow, but that is not who I am. Once I close a door, I see no sense in looking back or trying to return. So as of today, I am no longer a teacher.

It was a good day with lots of laughs, hugs, and of course, some heartfelt goodbyes. But never once have I had any doubt about this part of my journey. If anything, the sentiments of my former co-workers filled me with encouragement as they continued to let me know how happy they all were for me. I don't think I have been happier or more at peace at anytime in the last 10-12 years. The realization of the finality of today was there but seeing a better possible future has kept me focused.

Tomorrow is a day that I really can't do much CDL prep work although I would like to. I have a LONG list of things to do in order to close up my home and travel to MS. I received my confirmation letter with my bus ticket info today from Jim Palmer. It's hard to believe that this time next week I will be on that long, slow ride to Missoula - 50 hours to be exact. I've never taken the bus and from all accounts, I have heard that it is not ideal but it is all part of the adventure. I really want to savor the experience as you only get to be the newbie once most of the time. They say attitude is everything and I am looking at this as just those first steps into something that I hope will be as great as I imagine.

Tonight I have gathered all of my pertinent information - Social Security card, official Birth Certificate, blank checks for direct deposit, etc. In addition, I am breaking out the winter clothes that get such rare use in Florida as well as some items that can have me comfortable in warmer climates. So much to do and so little room for mistakes. Once I leave here, I really have to be prepared to not return until at least Feb or March.

The weekend will be busy closing down the apartment and then Sunday is all travel with two kittens included. What seemed like would take an eternity to get here has just suddenly happened almost over night. Next week will be all studying and practicing for the permit test and getting that pre-trip down. I may not post too many more times until early next week but at this point, it's all moving fast.

For those who are considering the career, I can offer you a few words of advice already. Start studying NOW! Don't wait, because plans can change and time goes very quickly. I'm looking forward to being the student soon. I've never even sat in a truck but I'm just anxious to get that part of the journey started. All good things to those who wait....

....and wait I shall. Thank you all for reading along. Love seeing the posts but it's also good to be able to go back and review what has happened in such a short time. I'm sure I will have tons of questions and I know that there are so many people here that are able and eager to help. I want to thank you all beforehand as I am sure I'm gonna need it!

As a soon-to-be ex-teacher, I'd say that Errol is using some serious common core math - believe me, I can show you this in such a convoluted, over-the-way manner that you would actually believe it to be true!

But his point is right on - patience is always the better option. Not the easiest, but definitely the wisest.

Thank you to all for the replies - I was so excited that anyone actually was reading!

Thursday, Nov. 10 - Today is a day that I know will not be easy. I have to inform 18 children that their lives are about to be turned upside down as they are losing their teacher. I also have to inform the families. It's not that they won't be able to deal with it but it does tend to upset them initially. That conversation will be in about 2 hours from now.

The closing down of my apartment is at a stand still - I have to live there at least until Sunday so there is not much more that I can do. In the meantime, I have killed it on General Knowledge, Combination Vehicles, and Air Brakes. I'm still reviewing it constantly but I feel confident in all three areas. The illness is pretty much gone - still some visual signs but no pain or complications. Hopefully another day or two is all it will need to be completely gone.

The pre-trip probably intimidates me the most. I have created flash cards from Daniel's post and am just reciting them over and over and over. I added the pics to each one and hopefully it should sink in soon but I have not been able to practice it enough to feel any comfort level there. It's alot to prep for but I want to go there with confidence and be able concentrate on the skills part once I am there. Not having the resources of this site would have made this so much more difficult than I could imagine.

Well, not much more for today. Tomorrow is my final day at my job. I'm more than ready to finally be done with this career and get started on trucking. So much to do but some things have to wait until the last minute. I'm sure that it will come together but for now it's just the game of waiting!

Tuesday - Oct. 25th - Today, I got up and jumped in the shower. I didn't notice anything until I was drying off and putting on deodorant. I felt the bumps before looking down and finally saw what looked like a million insect bites. I turned to see my back and this long stretch extended from the left side of my back all the way around to the front and stretching just beyond the arm pit. Of course, I had to go to work because teaching is not the kind of job you just call in for at the last minute.

I knew what it was. I'd had this before and it was awful. It felt like someone had just beat me with a baseball bat, left me in the sun for hours to burn, and then let ants start biting me over and over. This had to be shingles. I instantly called and tried to get into the doctor but could not get in until the next morning. It was going to be a rough day and night but what else could I do? The one bright spot of the day came later that afternoon.

JPT called. I was conditionally hired and was given a start date. I would be joining their training on Nov. 21st. It was a great day but a painful one to say the least. I managed to deal with it for the night and made it to the doctor. Definitely shingles and highly contagious. Blood pressure was back in the excellent range, just like normal. So at least I had a name for my pain, but not something that I necessarily needed while I tried to end a job, close up an apartment, study for a permit test, and start a new job. But this was temporary and easily managed so the focus was on moving forward the best way possible.

Halloween - Finally, it was time to let the school know what was going on. Today, I would be giving notice to finally end a 15 and a half year relationship that was no longer working at all. I had of course let my references know but that was only 3 people and they had kept it very quiet.

The first person to tell was the principal. I will sum it up with her response - "Take me with you!" This was something that I heard quite a bit over the next week. In addition, things like "I'm so envious", "You're so lucky", and "I wish it was me". I even had some people confide that they are in the process of looking for other work as well. The one thing I did not hear at all was that I should rethink about what I am giving up or that it was possibly a mistake. I knew that there were a lot of miserable people here but it still shocked me as more and more people started voicing things to me.

So here I sit, still teaching but looking at the end quickly approaching. My final day is in three more days (Nov 11th) and it's all I can do to grin and bear it. This weekend I will shut my apartment down and don't plan to see it again until most likely March. Next week I will be traveling with what possessions I need and my animals to MS. During this week my plan is to continue studying like crazy. I am good on General Knowledge, Air Brakes, and Combination Vehicles. I am clueless on the pre-trip and have to really focus on that. It's a lot to happen in a short time. Fortunately, I am almost fully healed and things are moving as I hoped.

I will have more to add as the days get closer. For now, you are pretty much caught up on the process that has gotten me to this point. Hopefully the drama and craziness has been exhausted and training will be a much different story. One thing is for sure - it has definitely been memorable for me up to this point.

Thanks for reading and will update again very soon!

Llandros (Scott)

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